Robert Stidworthy was grieving for his mother when he was hit by a train at Sway

A MAN who died after being struck by a train in the New Forest had been in grief after the death of his mother, an inquest heard.

Robert Stidworthy was killed instantly when he was struck by a train at Sway – 24 hours after police launched a widespread missing person’s appeal.

The Southampton inquest into his death heard the 47-year-old, of Mallard Close, Hordle, was receiving medical treatment for alcohol dependency, but had started drinking again and taking cannabis after his mother’s recent death.

His brother Tom Gleeson, from London, told the inquest Mr Stidworthy had become very depressed since her death and was struggling to cope. He regularly visited his unemployed brother at home and had arranged a mental health assessment scheduled for later that month.

Mr Gleeson said: “I had been telling people that this was a possibility throughout the year.”

Mr Stidworthy was struck by the 6.20pm train from Sway to New Milton on October 26.

Sergeant Derek Bish, among British Transport Police officers called out, said the train was travelling at 60mph when it hit him close to Vaggs Lane bridge.

The inquest heard there was no time for the driver to sound the horn and he was unable to avoid collision.

Mr Stidworthy was pronounced dead at the scene and formally identified by Mr Gleeson later. A pathologist’s report by Dr Jeffrey Theaker revealed he died from multiple injuries.

Southampton coroner Keith Wiseman recorded a suicide determination and said: “He had been very badly troubled for quite a long time.”

Ipsoregulated

This website and associated newspapers adhere to the Independent Press Standards Organisation's Editors' Code of Practice. If you have a complaint about the editorial content which relates to inaccuracy or intrusion, then please contact the editor here. If you are dissatisfied with the response provided you can contact IPSO here